- Must visit
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Glasgow’s flagship museum, famous for its broad collections, grand architecture, and highlights ranging from fine art to natural history.
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
295 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Glasgow will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Of the 2 buses that leave Manchester for Glasgow on Sat, May 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 23 the direct buses cover the 295 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
On Sat, May 23 the slowest buses will take 5 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
NX590
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX590Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $146.
Distance: 183 miles (295 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $308 Average price | $121 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Glasgow:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Glasgow costing on average $78 (€63).
A bus is $253 (€205) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Glasgow costing on average $308 (€249).
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 22m.
Bus takes on average 4h 28m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€44) compared to roughly $121 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $66 (€54). The journey takes 4h 28m versus 3h 50m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Glasgow buses for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:05 PM Manchester | 15h40 | 9:45 AM Glasgow | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 PM Manchester | 8h25 | 6:55 AM Glasgow | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
NX590 | On time 3:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h05 | 8:15 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h00 | 9:10 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Manchester to Glasgow run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:24, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (295 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 183 miles (295 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 12:24 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Glasgow’s flagship museum, famous for its broad collections, grand architecture, and highlights ranging from fine art to natural history.
A major art museum in Pollok Country Park with international collections, medieval art, and decorative objects in a striking modern building.
Glasgow’s transport museum on the River Clyde, known for interactive displays and a strong collection of vehicles, trams, and maritime exhibits.
The city’s best-known shopping and walking street, popular for street performers, architecture, and easy access to central sights.
A cobbled West End lane with strong visual appeal, fairy lights, and a lively atmosphere that makes it one of Glasgow’s most photographed spots.
A stylish central district of restored warehouses, lanes, and squares, known for architecture, nightlife, and an upscale urban feel.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally served with mashed turnips and potatoes. A staple on Glasgow menus and a must-try for local flavour.
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though originating in northeast Scotland, it is widely loved in Glasgow and found in many traditional restaurants.
A Glasgow breakfast favourite featuring Lorne sausage in a morning roll, often with brown sauce. It is a classic from local bakeries and cafes.
A very popular modern restaurant serving creative small plates in a stylish but relaxed space. Known for consistently strong cooking and a vibrant atmosphere.
A respected Finnieston restaurant focused on seasonal Scottish ingredients, polished service and contemporary presentation. Ideal for a higher-end meal in Glasgow.
An iconic West End restaurant known for refined Scottish cooking, excellent produce and a lively multi-level setting. A strong choice for a classic Glasgow dining experience.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, but central hotels and upscale restaurants cost more.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow -> Glasgow Central Station, Glasgow
Buses from Manchester to Glasgow are operated by both Megabus and National Express Coaches, with regular departures throughout the day, from around 1:00 a.m., until about 7:30 p.m. The route is direct, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours and departures seven days a week.
Buses from Manchester to Glasgow depart from either Manchester Coach Station, centrally located on Chorlton Street, or the Shudehill Interchange, slightly further out of the city. Both arrival points are linked by the city's Metrolink tram system and local First Bus routes, with night buses running throughout the week. Taxis are available at both Manchester Coach Station and Shudehill Interchange.
Glasgow, on the banks of the River Clyde, is Scotland's largest city and has the distinction of being a UNESCO City of Music, with over 100 events every week, ranging from opera to Celtic music. Visitors will also find the architecture and art of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, as well as world-class museums and galleries, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. The Riverside Museum is full of antique vehicles, while the Glasgow Science Centre has lots of interactive fun for visitors of all ages. Glasgow also has plenty of good shopping, fine dining and a lively nightlife. Buses from Manchester to Glasgow arrive at the city's Buchanan Street Bus Station, located in the city centre. Metro trains and Scottish Citylink, McGill and Stagecoach First Scotland Buses, provide frequent routes around the city, to the suburbs, the university and the airport. These services include frequent night bus routes. A taxi rank is also located at Buchanan Street Bus Station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Glasgow by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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